Final answer:
The demand for increased food production has led to a decrease in the species diversity of plants in heath areas converted to wheat fields. This loss of plant diversity can have negative impacts on the ecosystem's resilience and increase the risk of diseases and pests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The demand for increased food production has led to areas of heath being used to grow wheat. This has a negative effect on the species diversity of plants. When heath is converted into wheat fields, the native plants in the area are removed to make space for wheat crops. As a result, the number and variety of plant species in the area decrease.
The loss of plant diversity can have several negative impacts. Firstly, it decreases the overall resilience of the ecosystem. Different plant species play different roles in the ecosystem, such as providing food and habitat for other organisms, contributing to nutrient cycling, and preventing soil erosion. When there is a decrease in plant diversity, these ecosystem functions can be impaired.
Secondly, the loss of plant diversity can also make the ecosystem more susceptible to diseases, pests, and invasive species. In diverse plant communities, there is a better chance of some species being resistant to certain diseases or pests, which helps maintain the overall health of the ecosystem. However, when plant diversity decreases, there is a higher risk of widespread damage from diseases or pests.